Northern Ireland Policing Board

Amanda Stewart
Chief Executive
Date: 26 August 2021

Via email: jonathan.lawless@niassembly.gov.uk

Peter McCallion Clerk

Committee for Finance

Dear Mr McCallion

Financial Reporting (Departments and Public Bodies) Bill

Thank you for the invitation to the Northern Ireland Policing Board (the Board) to provide a response to the above Bill which is currently being considered by the Finance Committee.

It is our understanding that the Bill will allow the Department of Finance (the DoF) to issue directions on the way departments prepare supply Estimates in order to include the spending of designated Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs). The Bill will also amend existing legislation whereby the DoF issues guidance on the preparation of departmental resource accounts in order to include information relating to designated NDPBs

As one of those NDPDs and, as the oversight body for the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Board is fully supportive of any change in legislation that will allow for greater transparency and understanding of the budget process. We are aware of the change to legislation through engagement with the Review of Financial Processes Project team within the Department of Justice (the DoJ) and will continue to work with the DoJ to assist with the implementation of the new legislation.

We look forward to receiving the DoF guidance on the preparation of departmental resource accounts in due course.

Yours sincerely

Amanda Stewart Chief Executive 459296